Etosha battles blazes

Firefighting teams have been battling several blazes sparked by lightning in the Halali area as well as the Kamaseb and Tsam blocks since last Wednesday. According to the environment ministry, the fires have since been brought largely under control. Well-maintained firebreaks, including the recently graded Dungaries–Kamaseb and Dungaries–Trentaal cutlines, helped slow the spread and protect surrounding areas. Forestry director Johnson Ndokosho and Etosha deputy director Naambo Iipinge said teams remain on the ground monitoring hotspots and working to extinguish the remaining fires. No injured or dead wildlife has been reported so far. An additional fire engine and more personnel are expected to be deployed to the national park to strengthen the response.